Treo Pro Specifications

Following the first part of my Treo Pro review yesterday where I primarily provided you with an in-depth take on the exterior design features of this stunning latest Windows Mobile Palm smartphone here below is my detailed take on the not so visible but nonetheless terrific specs that the Treo Pro offers.

Treo Pro Specifications – Rating 9.0/10

Processor – 9/10A lot of people have been somewhat worried that the overall speed and performance of the Treo Pro might somehow be compromised because it runs Windows Mobile but thankfully this is absolutely not the case.

As many other reviewers are already reporting, the Treo Pro may in fact very well be one of the fastest Windows Mobile smartphones on the market today. The combination of WM 6.1 and the powerful 400MHz processor have now helped to significantly improve the mobile experience and I have found no serious speed limits – not all applications may load in a flash but you’re certainly not kept waiting more than a couple of seconds either.

Platform – 8.5/10Additionally, as I’ve grown to better understand the workings of Windows Mobile in general and this Treo Pro smartphone in particular the speed with which I now manage to perform repetitive tasks using either software or harware features has steadily improved. Since I can get frustrated rather quickly if things don’t work well, the most important thing for me has been the fact that throughout my interactions with the Treo Pro I have not found a barrier that I couldn’t quickly jump over.

It’s a fact that any new device takes a little while to get used to and the Treo Pro is no exception. As I mentioned yesterday, although the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system is not perfect I have to admit that it’s improved significantly and I’ve now almost completely overlooked any limitations (primarily in the area of usability) for the simple reason that the hardware design and specifications of the Treo Pro are so good.

Wireless Data (3G HSDPA, 2G EDGE, GPRS) – 9.5/10While the Treo Pro is undoubtedly fast its 3G wireless data capabilities are even faster and very powerful. Thanks to very good HSDPA coverage in my area I have been able to quickly download emails, install large software files over the air, listen to streaming audio and video with Kinoma Play for example and perhaps even more importantly load web pages in a snap using multiple web browsers such as Internet Explorer Mobile and the powerful latest Opera 9.51 beta or Skyfire.

As I commented yesterday, wireless data connectivity on the Treo Pro is so good and fast that I don’t even bother to look for mobile-optimized web pages any more as full standard web pages not only look great but load quickly.

I also like the fact that the Today screen now offers one-click access to all connections via the Comm Manager – a simple screen (see image below left) where you can quickly enable Airplane Mode or turn On/Off your Phone, Bluetooth, WiFi, Microsoft Direct Push and Data Connection as well as gain access to further Settings for your Phone, Bluetooth and Wireless Lan.

WiFi – 10/10If for any reason you’re not within reach of a good wireless data connection the Treo Pro offers an excellent and rather powerful 802.11b/g WiFi implementation. I was particularly impressed to experience just how good and steady the built-in WiFi range is. I had no problem connecting to my own router or other public networks and the WiFi settings have pretty much every authentication and data encryption protocol that you will ever need. There’s even a Power Save Mode setting within WiFi Prefs where you can choose between Best Performance (range) or Best Battery optimization.

Additionally, the dedicated WiFi button on the right side of your Treo Pro significantly extends the overall simplicity of using and accessing WiFi networks. You just press the button once to quickly switch WiFi On/Off or press+hold to open your Wireless Networks settings screen.

GPS – 9/10The Treo Pro doesn’t stop at just having a fast processor, fast 3G data and fast WiFi as it now also offers a built-in GPS receiver that you can use with either the bundled TeleNav software or Google Maps as well as any third-party on-board GPS Navigation software such as CoPilot Live 7.

There’s also another bundled program called QuickGPS that can speed up the time for determining your GPS position by downloading the latest satellite data via an Internet connection (3G, WiFi or ActiveSync).

I haven’t yet been able to fully test either TeleNav or CoPilot Live but for now at least I can tell you that Google Maps is a joy to use – particularly the way that it’s now been fully integrated with your Contacts to be able to get driving directions. I use Google Maps so frequently that I would ideally love to add a search box to my Today screen but I haven’t quite figured out how to do that yet.

Memory – 8.5/10I must have installed some twenty third-party programs on my Treo Pro so far and I still have some 30MB of storage free (out of a total 105MB user available) plus naturally I still get plenty more storage space via my 8GB microSDHC memory card.

At the same time, with 128MB RAM the Program Memory can withstand to simultaneously open pretty much any number of applications that you want. I haven’t yet had a single occasion where my Treo Pro became unresponsive for any reason due to lack of memory.

Additionally, Palm has implemented a rather convenient Task Manager in the top right corner of your Today screen (screenshot above right) from where you can quickly completely exit any open applications.

The only reason I haven’t awarded the Memory a higher rating is that I think that by now Palm could have gone the extra mile by adding at least 512MB or even 1GB of on-board memory. Having said this, as I mentioned before the microSDHC slot nonetheless provides plenty of extra storage space.

Modem – 9/10If you happen to subscrible to an unlimited data plan and are frequently in range of a UMTS/HSDPA wireless data connection you’ll be happy to know that your Treo Pro can also double as a high-speed modem for your laptop while on the go (via your USB cable or Bluetooth).

I haven’t fully tested this yet but based on previous experience data connectivity provided by my Treo smartphone to my laptop has always proven very good.

Bluetooth 2.0 and A2DP – 8.5/10Given the increasing number of Treo Bluetooth accessories that are part of my kit I was naturally very curious to find out just how well the Treo Pro would perform when paired with these.

The number one priority was ensuring flawless compatibility with my New Jawbone Bluetooth headset which the Treo Pro gladly quickly did – delivering both excellent sound and volume for both inbound and outbound calls.

My experience with A2DP wireless audio specifically on the Treo Pro is that it works flawlessly (no stuttering or breaking) when playing either on-board music files or using your wireless data connection (3G, EDGE, GPRS) or ActiveSync connection for streaming audio. However, if you try to use A2DP with a streaming audio via WiFi there appears to be quite a bit of stutter – it’s a shame because I rather enjoy listening to streaming radio over my Bluetooth Stereo Speakers.

I guess that asking the Treo Pro processor to simultaneously keep a WiFi connection + Bluetooth A2DP + audio playback is just a little bit too much but at least it works superbly well – ultracrisp and clear – with either normal playback or streaming audio/video via your wireless data connection or ActiveSync.

Camera & Video – 9.5/10Aside from the fact that Palm has now upgraded the camera to 2.0 megapixels resolution the actual camera software is also much improved. For starters aside from the normal camera and video capture modes you also get MMS video, Contact Picture, Picture Theme (which collages three images together to form a panorama), Sport (to capture fast moving action with five rapid shots focusing on a moving target) and also a Burst mode (seven capture modes in total).

There are even more adjustments that can be made via an on-screen Capture Settings including Effects (such as Sepia or Grayscale), Metering Mode, Shutter Sound and more. I have to admit that I wish that some of the functions found here were available on my high-end digital camera and I can’t be happier with what’s offered here. Virtually the only thing missing is a flash with the camera for evening or low-light situations.

Wireless Radio – 9.5/10Palm may have crammed all of these specs into an ultraslim, ultrasmall and light body but it has certainly not affected the performance of its radio – on the contrary I think that it’s one of the best that I’ve owned to date providing me with better reception even in areas that I previously considered to be weak spots.

With an HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM radio that offers Tri-band UMTS (850MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz) and Quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) there are certainly few if any remote corners of the world where you won’t be able to use your Treo Pro.

Here again I also found the integration of hardware and software on Palm’s part to be very good. Not only is the easily accessible Comm Manager within a couple of clicks away to manage your connections but pressing+holding the new Power button at the top of your smartphone now also quickly and conveniently closes virtually all connections (Phone, Data, WiFi, etc.).

ConclusionAs you will have been able to appreciate from this review of the Treo Pro specifications it’s been nearly impossible for me to find a real and major fault anywhere on this smartphone. Sure we could always want more (a bigger screen, more memory, an even bigger keyboard, etc.) but when it comes to these specs there really is no doubt that Palm has spared no detail or expense to ensure that it delivers a truly superior high-end business smartphone.

I have no doubt that like me many people will eventually find that these superb Treo Pro specs combined with a truly stunning body design far outweighs any of the real or perceived limitations (increasingly few) that Windows Mobile might have.

comiken205 - there are definitely more than a few reasons to be jealous with the Treo Pro! ;-)

Like many I hope that Palm releases this ASAP in the US and also that following the many positive reviews that one or more carriers will quickly jump on board and have this superb smartphone in their stores before the end of the year.

Cheers, A.

4

by Ajax | Aug 28, 2008 7:59:06 PM

Andrew,

Do you know if QuickGPS is available/will work for my 800w?

5

by Ajax | Aug 28, 2008 8:03:24 PM

Sorry for the double post, but also i want to know about the actual implementation of the phone as modem, cables and BT as i cannot get my BT to setup on my Treo800w to connect to my computer as modem or to allow active sync.

Thanks again...

6

by Jim | Aug 28, 2008 8:43:20 PM

I am interested in details. I sent back a 750 and kept my 680 for several detail issues, such as:
Call forwarding - the 680 lets me choose to forward if I turn off the phone seperate from if I am unalvailable. The 750 did not - only as unavailable/no answer.
That way I can use my Onstar and it forwards immediately rathe rthan wait 20 seconds and then forward.
Other details had to do with Calendar display and functions. Even though I use Outlook at work most I like the funcion of Palm better. I know I have to get used to different layouts and functions, but until my 680 dies I guess I will have to see it and touch it before I buy another model.
BTW: is the speaker loud enough for voice turn-by-turn directions?

7

by tgwaste | Aug 28, 2008 9:54:20 PM

Jim,
The WM Calendar is pretty close to Palms. Much more robust and a more modernized look at feel but the layout is pretty much the same.

I didn't know this phone did vocal turn-by-turn.. is that part of the TeleNav (or whatever it is) software?

8

by Ddeath | Aug 29, 2008 12:46:11 AM

Treo Pro looks good. Palm FINALLY has a phone that is comparable to the other pda phones out there. With them in the smartphone market for so long, it is a joke to me that it took them so long to have a decent spec'ed (wifi anyone?) phone.

9

by Dennis Bareis | Aug 29, 2008 3:57:19 AM

Sounds like it hasn't got an assisted GPS where the telco positioning information (radio tower info) sets a rough starting point (like the iPhone for an example). That sounds like a negative to me :-)

Pity as it sounds like it has everything else.

10

by man de hu | Aug 29, 2008 5:04:20 AM

What about OS X compatibility? Has Palm definitively given it up? Or is it only for the needy and dumb using the Centro???

11

by random9q | Aug 29, 2008 9:02:01 AM

Too bad for me it's HSPDA/GSM. Coverage on those bands in my area is... OK. It keeps the iPhone people connected and happy, but they grumble slightly. I'm still waiting until my contract runs out, but would be willing to consider this model IF by then they've come out with one that can run on the US's mostly proprietary networks.

Silly non-standard carriers, anyways, but I get to live with their being the best offer where I live and travel.

12

by Stu | Aug 29, 2008 9:04:51 AM

Andrews - great review, and I'll continue to hold on my Treo 680 (unlocked) in the hopes of picking up one of these Treo Pro bad-boys soon...

Any idea when Palm will be releasing the unlocked version in the states? I keep hearing "Autumn", but no specifics.

Thanks, and again, great review!

Stu

13

by Andrew | Aug 29, 2008 10:20:20 AM

ajax - I don't know if QuickGPS will work with the Treo 800w but I also can't think of a reason that it wouldn't since I have to assume Palm has used the same GPS chipset on the Treo Pro as well.

In terms of your "phone as modem" problem you may need to reinstall ActiveSync.

Jim - I haven't looked at call forwarding yet but I can tell you that GPS turn-by-turn directions are plenty loud enough with the speaker.

Dennis - the Treo Pro like the Treo 800w benefits from Assisted GPS (aGPS) and its thus a rather full featured solution.

man - OS X compatibility with the Treo Pro actually has nothing to do with Palm but is a Microsoft Windows Mobile matter. In this respect there is a actually a free solution called Syncmate that allows you to do this perfectly well:

Stephen - no ETA yet but there are persistent and growing rumours that a combination of AT&T, Verizon and/or Sprint are likely to pick up the Treo Pro - hopefully before the end of the year.

Cheers, A.

16

by Windows is no good | Aug 29, 2008 1:17:01 PM

Platform?

Windows... ZERO out of ten points

Sorry, Windows is not an acceptable platform.

17

by Jase | Aug 29, 2008 4:35:56 PM

How can a 2.0MP camera- with no flash, or fancy Carl Zeiss lense- get 9.5 out of 10? Rather Palm blinkered me thinks...

18

by Chris | Aug 30, 2008 12:25:26 AM

I wish they would put as much development/hardware into the palm versions as the WM version.
Very good review, nice specs but
I close windows, not open them.

BRING BACK THE PALM ON PALM.

19

by Alex | Aug 30, 2008 1:21:41 PM

Yeah, I hope that AT&T picks up the Treo Pro. I was told by a rep, and this could be complete speculation, that "they [AT&T] were getting in some new Palms with WiFi this Monday, September 1st". She didn't seem like the type that would just lie, and I even walked out of the store without a phone because I wanted to see exactly what this new one was going to be (and I don't even have a phone! dropped it and got ran over in an intersection!) So hopefully AT&T will have these Monday. She also told me a price of $200, but I am highly skeptical about that. I will definitely not pay over $300 b/c I would just like to get it for my first smartphone, nothing too business oriented. However, it has everything that I need in a phone, most importantly WPA b/g WiFi.

20

by Bunnie Meyer | Aug 31, 2008 12:28:47 PM

I couldn't be more sad about Palm not being able to answer a question. I have a Treo 650 for one critical reason, I have my customer database on the phone using Filemaker Mobil 8, now discontinued.

$549 is high but I could pay it to buy a new "Pro."

I was shuttled from place to place to place by Palm and finally wound up with someone in India or Pakistan or Bangladesh who had no idea if I could use that critical software on the new phone.

How can Palm expect to sell a new phone to a loyal customer if they can't even tell me if the new one will run the same software as the old one?

I didn't ask if some esoteric software would work, I asked if a product Palm produced would work and to be given someone in a third world country that doesn't have a clue of what you are asking is so disappointing I can't say it without curse words.

With the phones I've lost and had stolen, I'm on my fourth Treo. I think I deserve better. And the 680 that was stolen, well good riddance, the 650 was a better phone, never should have "upgraded" to a worse phone.

21

by Joel Capps | Sep 1, 2008 3:08:48 AM

The Treo Pro looks like a great phone but will it be available with the Palm OS. All of the more powerful Treos are Windows Mobile, is Palm walking away from it's own OS? I think that the Treo Pro would be awesome with the Palm OS. And keep it black.

22

by dmm | Sep 1, 2008 9:40:15 AM

"All of the more powerful Treos are Windows Mobile" because, for now, Windows Mobile allows more capabilities than Palm OS. Palm OS, as well-designed as it is from an interface standpoint, is stretched thin programming-wise. Palm's gone through so much in recent years (mergers, spinoffs, etc.) that they're still catching up.

So for now, Palm could put a Centro in a Treo Pro form factor, could perhaps put a good sleek skin on it (imagine the calendar looking like the phone app on the 680 and GSM Centro), keep the battery, the flush touchscreen and some of the other enhancements like the 3.5 mm port. That wouldn't sell enough to be cost-effective--there wouldn't be WiFi, GPS, multitasking, or simultaneous high-speed data/voice access--that so many people are looking for and that most other devices have now. So Palm is using Palm OS to sell as many Centros as possible and using Windows Mobile for their higher-end devices.

However, late this year, they're supposed to release the SDK for Nova--the new operating system, with backwards compatibility for Garnet (the Palm OS we know and love), support for higher-end capabilities, and flexibility to grow and compete with other operating systems. Then developers can get started on new or updated apps. Devices running Nova are due sometime next year (exactly when is still TBA).

Some people have speculated that the first Nova device will have the same hardware specs as the Pro. I have no idea if Palm will go that route or release a totally different device--the Pro itself will be old news by then, after all.

23

by floridaphoto | Sep 1, 2008 2:33:00 PM

Andrew, great review... very helpful. I think I'm going to have to get one! Why are people asking if AT&T is going to get the phone? If you have an AT&T SIM card, you can just put it in the phone & go, right?

Here's a question I have. Right now I use two Treos: a Treo 700p with Sprint while I'm in the U.S. (I give that number to everybody), and a Treo 650 (AT&T) for when I travel outside the country (I don't want to pay $4.00 a minute roaming charges for someone calling me, thinking I'm at home). (BTW, I started with the Treo 300, then had the Treo 600, both with Sprint, so I guess I qualify as a loyal Treo user.)

I synchronize with Outlook--all my contacts are there, and I do most of my e-mail on the PC. But to synchronize both phones, I have to uninstall the software for one and install the software for the other one--it's a real pain! I also have a Nokia 6110 Navigator that I use overseas to put in a local SIM card, and I can synchronize with that without having to uninstall the Treo software.

So the question is, will I be able to leave my Treo 700p software installed and also install the Treo Pro software, and synchronize with one, and then the other one? BTW I'm in Nigeria right now, connected on the MTN network using my Nokia as a modem.

24

by dmm | Sep 1, 2008 7:21:59 PM

There are 2 reasons I see for people to focus on AT&T getting it:

1) If someone wants one, AT&T picking it up means a much lower price (by hundreds of dollars) after their subsidies kick in. The benefits of an unlocked phone are less important to some people than the cost savings (real or perceived).

2) If AT&T does subsidize it, not only is the price lower; it gets much more exposure too, as most people do all their phone shopping through the carriers and their dealers--whether at corporate stores, dealer stores, web stores, by phone orders, or through B2B sales reps.

So Palm will sell a lot more (in the US) if a carrier picks the Pro up. While the iPhone could possibly have sold in sizable quantities as an unlocked phone with Apple's retail infrastructure--and plenty of people would like to have seen it--Palm just doesn't have that retail footprint, and never did, even when they had stores in airports and similar places.

25

by dmm | Sep 1, 2008 10:07:18 PM

floridaphoto, re your sync issue...

1) You shouldn't have to delete/reinstall anything to sync 2 Treos--normally you can have 2 user accounts (aka "HotSync IDs") in Palm Desktop and sync both that way. It sounds like you should be able to sync both with the same Outlook profile.

If you currently have both with the same HotSync ID, you'll have to either do a hard reset on one or download a program called ChangeName (free) to create a second one. Just change the number as well as the text of the HotSync ID

2) In theory you should be able to sync a Pro and a 700p to Outlook on the same computer just fine. I haven't had a case to test so far, though.

The one concern I'd have if you sync multiple smartphones and computers is that your data can get messed up--you may get duplicates or something deleted may reappear. Your best bet is either to make changes in Outlook and then overwrite the data on the Treos, or vice versa. Otherwise, there's too much data "traffic" going back and forth.

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